The two-year project (2017-2019) involved the University of Zimbabwe, Department of Plant Production Sciences and Technologies, and Cirad research unit AIDA. Colleagues from IRD UMR Nutripass (Nutrition et Alimentation des Populations aux Suds) were also involved into the laboratory analyses of the grain mineral composition (Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg, K, P, Cu, Mn and Mg).

Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies in humans are highly prevalent worldwide. In Zimbabwe, it has been estimated that about 30 % of young children (< 5 years old) suffer from growth delays due to undernutrition, and 30 % of women in the childbearing age are anemic. Cereals and legumes crops have different nutrient acquistion strategies, and mixing the plants could lead to facilitation processes for nutrient uptake by roots.

The main objective of the project was to assess the potential of intercropping systems as a biofortification option along a soil fertility gradient. Specific objectives were to assess the agronomic performance of intercropping compared to monocropping (biomass, yield), biological nitrogen fixation by the legume crop, and grain micronutrients contents.

On-farm experiments were carried out and monitored during two cropping seasons on 15 farms, including both a homefield (high fertility) and outfield (low fertility).